Policy Officer – Trade Affairs (Fixed-Term) - Local Agent Group 1
EUBAM Libya
Policy Officer – Trade Affairs (Fixed-Term) - Local Agent Group 1
16.07.2026 New opportunity
Teaser
Local Agent Group 1 - Policy Officer – Trade Affairs (Fixed-Term)
(m/f/x)
Ref: LA1 TEMP - Trade Section (Fixed-Term)
Text
We are
The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership between 27 European countries. It plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and working with global organisations. Abroad, the EU is represented through more than 140 diplomatic representations, known also as EU Delegations, which have a similar function to those of an embassy.
The EU Delegation to New Zealand in Wellington was established in 2016 and is responsible for the conduct of official relations with New Zealand. The Delegation works closely with all the diplomatic missions of the EU Member States accredited to New Zealand.
We offer
We offer a full-time Temporary/Fixed-term Post of Policy Officer/Trade Affairs Officer in the Trade Section of the Delegation, to cover a colleague’s maternity leave between 14 September 2026 and 14 March 2027, with the possibility of extension up to six additional months based on budget availability. Under this post, the recruited person will be attributed functions depending on the needs of the Delegation.
We are looking for an energetic, experienced and highly motivated Policy Officer to join our multicultural office. The successful candidate will advise on economic, trade and investment relations between the EU and New Zealand, sustainability-related developments and matters relevant to other European Union’s policies as appropriate (eg intellectual property, etc). A particular focus will be the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in force between the European Union and New Zealand. Other tasks may be assigned depending on priorities in our bilateral engagement.
Upon recruitment, the successful candidate will serve as technical and support staff in the Trade and Economics Section under the supervision and responsibility of the Head of section. This position covers a wide variety of missions, including monitoring policy developments and drafting economic and trade reporting to headquarters, providing analysis and engaging with a wide range of interlocutors, including New Zealand and third countries officials, Member States representatives, business and various stakeholders.
Work travel may be part of the tasks. Due to the time difference with Europe, participation in virtual meetings outside of normal working hours (most often in the evening) may be required from time to time.
Applicants should have New Zealand nationality or residency and must currently reside in New Zealand.
Duties
Under the supervision of the Head of Trade Section, the position includes the following main tasks and duties in relation to economic issues (trade, investment, economic security) as well as other issues relevant to EU policies (in particular climate change, environment, labour). These may evolve according to service needs:
- Sectoral Reporting and Information to Head of Delegation and Headquarters
- Monitoring and reporting, regularly and in a timely fashion to Headquarters on all the areas assigned.
- Send regular press/media reviews concerning local coverage of issues of importance to Headquarters.
- Provide on request briefings, draft speeches, statements, press releases and articles.
- Provide early warnings on potential problems and disputes with particular emphasis on market access issues.
- Information and communication, representation and participation in the host country/region
- Assist in the implementation of the EU-New Zealand free trade agreement.
- Support the necessary working relations with the relevant national authorities in the areas assigned (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Primary Industries, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment as well as other ministries or regional organisations as appropriate), private sector representatives, professional organisations and other local operators in the field.
- State, explain and defend the EU trade policies and EU position in the areas assigned to domestic audiences particularly local and regional authorities, press, civil society, business and academics.
- Participate in conferences, meetings and other public events.
- Monitoring, Analysis and Implementation of Trade Policy
- Follow all issues having an impact on the negotiation or the implementation of a bilateral or regional free trade agreements with the EU, and other agreements or frameworks pertaining to trade.
- Monitor policies of New Zealand and the wider region in the areas assigned. Particular attention will be paid to trade flows, forecasts, legislations, fiscal policy, tax system, financial services, land ownership regime, intellectual property rights, competition, foreign investment, etc.
- Monitor New Zealand's position in on-going or planned multilateral, regional, or bilateral trade negotiations (WTO, FTA, etc.) and monitor regional integration matters in connection with trade.
- Management and Planning: contribution to other Section and Delegation activities
- Prepare and assist in missions from Headquarters.
- Contribute to the Delegation's various reports, press and information activities and events in the areas assigned.
- Any other ad hoc tasks relating to the activities of the Trade Section and the Delegation.
The Candidate Should Have
- Good knowledge of New Zealand political and policy processes.
- Proven knowledge of the EU, EU trade and investment policies and programmes related to business and industry cooperation.
- Ability to engage with stakeholders and develop professional networks including New Zealand government officials.
- Ability to prioritize, multi-task, work under pressure and organize work to deliver results on time.
- Excellent drafting, communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to be a strong team player.
- Ability to work outside of normal working hours from time to time.
The base salary will depend on relevant and verified employment experience, typically starting from NZS 9042 per month (plus 6% employer KiwiSaver contribution). There is a competitive benefits package, subject to certain conditions, including personal leave days and public holidays.
The expected start date will be 14 September 2026.
Minimum requirements / eligibility criteria (necessary for the application to be considered)
- Minimum of bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, preferably trade, economics, international relations, law.
- Minimum of 2 years relevant professional experience.
- Excellent knowledge (C1) of English.
- Good knowledge of IT tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Webex, Zoom, etc.).
- New Zealand citizenship or residency / must currently reside in New Zealand.
Assets/selection criteria (basis for awarding points to select the best applicant)
- Work history (or network of connections or similar) in the area of relations with government and political institutions and external stakeholders.
- Work experience in a multi-national environment or a foreign entity (embassy, foreign company, international organization).
- Previous experience linked to EU/European affairs, trade, investment, sustainability.
- Proficiency in other European language and/or of Māori language.
How To Apply
The applicant must apply by sending:
- a cover letter, signed;
- a detailed Curriculum Vitæ (to include, at the minimum, exact job titles and employment dates, employers names and detailed tasks descriptions), using one of the Europass templates available at https://europass.europa.eu/en;
and
- a confirmation of nationality or, for non-New Zealand citizens, a confirmation of residency visa in New Zealand allowing for full-time work and currently residing in the country.
***email_hidden***
Please Mention In The Email’ Subject
“Ref: LA1 TEMP - Trade Section (Fixed-Term) / Surname, First Name“
Deadline For The Submission Of Applications
Friday 07 August 2026 at 18:00 New Zealand Standard Time (NZST)(UTC+12:00).
The process
After the deadline for applications, the eligible applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee set up for this purpose. Depending on the number of applications received, successive phases of Selection may include shortlisting of candidates based on assessment of the information provided in the cover letter, CV and interviews.
The Selection Committee will prepare a shortlist of candidates who are considered to be the most suitable for the position, on the basis of the information provided in their application file. The short-listed candidates will be invited to a formal interview – during this phase, the Selection Committee will assess the suitability of the candidates for the post.
The successful candidate will be offered a temporary/fixed term contract between 14 September 2026 and 14 March 2027, following a probationary period of 3 three weeks (21 days). The initial contract may be extended up to six additional months based on budget availability. The successful candidate will be required, as a condition of the offer of employment, to provide all supporting documents in regards of diplomas and professional experience as declared in the application form, a medical fitness certificate confirming their fitness to carry out the assigned duties and a clean criminal record.
Only candidates admitted to the next phases of the selection process will be contacted individually. The Delegation will not supply additional information or discuss the selection procedure. During the selection process, please do not contact the members of the Selection Committee, but address your questions and comments to the Delegation’s functional mailbox to which the application was sent.
Candidates who wish to lodge a complaint regarding the recruitment process may submit a written communication. Upon receipt, the Delegation will review the matter and, where appropriate, consult Headquarters before providing a response.
Equal Opportunities
The European Union is committed to an equal opportunities policy for all its employees and applicants for employment. As an employer, the EU is committed to promoting gender equality, preventing discrimination on any grounds and ensuring a zero-tolerance approach to any form of harassment. It actively welcomes applications from all qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds. We aim at a service which is truly representative of society, where each staff member feels respected, is able to give their best and can develop their full potential.
If pre-selected, candidates with disabilities are invited to contact the Delegation (***email_hidden***) in order to accommodate any special needs and provide assistance to ensure equality of opportunities with other candidates.
If a candidate with a disability is selected and recruited, the EEAS is committed to appropriate measures in order to accommodate his or her special needs to the working place or working conditions in accordance with Art 4 of the Decision ADMIN(2025)13 of the Director-General for Resource Management of the European External Action Service on providing reasonable accommodation for local staff with disabilities working in Union Delegations.
